Reggaeton has become a global juggernaut, but its origin story often gets lost in the shuffle of chart-topping hits and stadium tours. Now, a New York City Council resolution aims to set the record straight by officially recognizing October as Reggaeton Heritage Month.
Council Member Farah N. Louis introduced the proposal on September 10, calling for a month-long celebration that honors the genre's deep Afro-Caribbean roots. The resolution traces reggaeton's beginnings to Panama in the late 1970s, where Spanish-language adaptations of Jamaican reggae and other Caribbean rhythms first took shape in marginalized communities.
Panama's foundational role
For years, the conversation around reggaeton's epicenter has centered on Puerto Rico and, more recently, Colombia. But Panama's contribution is undeniable. The genre's DNA was forged in the streets of Panama City, where Afro-Caribbean youth blended reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop into something new. This history is often overshadowed by the commercial success of artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G, but the resolution seeks to restore Panama's place in the narrative.
The proposal specifically names El General, widely considered reggaeton's first global superstar. Born Edgardo Armando Franco, El General moved to Brooklyn in 1985, a move that proved transformative. In New York, he immersed himself in the vibrant Caribbean music scene, refining his sound and eventually releasing hits like “Tu Pun Pun,” “Rica y Apretadita,” and “Te Ves Buena.” These tracks not only topped charts but also laid the groundwork for the genre's international explosion.
El General's story is a testament to the transnational flow of music and culture between Panama, the Caribbean, and the United States. His time in Brooklyn is a key chapter in reggaeton's history, and the resolution highlights it as a bridge between the genre's Panamanian roots and its New York evolution.
What this means for the Latino community
The resolution is currently under review by the City Council's Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries and International Relations. If approved, it would establish an official month-long celebration in New York, but its impact would extend far beyond the city limits.
For the Latino community in the U.S., this initiative is a chance to educate younger generations about the genre's true origins. It's a reminder that reggaeton is not just a product of marketing machines but a cultural movement born from Afro-Caribbean creativity and resilience. The measure also underscores New York's role as a melting pot where genres like dancehall and hip-hop fused with reggaeton, shaping its evolution.
This push for recognition aligns with other efforts to preserve reggaeton's legacy, such as Wisin's Universidad del Perreo, which offers masterclasses in the genre's roots. It also echoes the ongoing legal battles over reggaeton's foundational rhythms, like the recent copyright ruling in Bad Bunny's favor.
As the resolution moves through the council, it carries the weight of history. It's not just about a month on the calendar; it's about honoring the pioneers who made reggaeton possible. From Panama's streets to Brooklyn's blocks, the genre's journey is a story of migration, fusion, and relentless creativity. This initiative ensures that story is told, and that the Afro-Caribbean roots of reggaeton are never forgotten.
